The ComAfrique-InteliZon Initiative (CII) recently presented 62 solar lights to Bulanjury village in Foni Bintang District, West Coast Region (WCR). The said items were donated by an Indian Rotary Club of Panaji River, meant to improve the livelihood of the people living in rural communities all over Africa. It also promotes the elimination of the use of candle and kerosene lamp that have the tendency of causing fire disaster.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Nfamara Dampha, Sales and Implementation coordinator of CII, said that giving Bulanjury village these solar lights is not only motivated by the desire to curb fire incidents but also, it would help them save money they spend on candle on a daily basis.

Dampha stated that in order to create a long-term sustainability, villagers have agreed to pay D1 per day and also per light for usage. "This payment contributes to a Zone Light fund which would grow the following years to take care of the replacement of batteries and lights after expiration," he said. He added that if that is implemented as promised that would provide light to the villagers for the rest of their lives.

For his part, the alkalo of the village, Pa Kuca Jammeh, expressed delight over the gesture, for the fact that the donated solar lights have the potential to replace candles and kerosene lamps in his village.

Sutay Jarju, ward councilor of the area also stressed the need for sustainability and urged the beneficiaries to stick to paying the D1 per light and per day so that in future aditional lighters can be purchased from that funding.

For his part, Bakary Colley, the chairman of the Village Development Committee, urged the beneficiaries to take good care of theitems for sustainability purpose.

Other speakers included Ebrima Jammeh, National Assembly member for Foni Bintang; and Sarjo Ceesay, the district mobiliser.